Bliss is probably one of the classiest restaurant/bar in Itaewon. The place definitely made it to my top hot-spot list in Seoul, and SeoulGrid will cover everything there is for you to know to make your next visit to Itaewon totally blissful!
Former member of Drunken Tiger and celebrity DJ Shine (Mark Yim) runs this place, and he’s usually around his shop making sure everything is operating smoothly. I met and talked to him on a few occasions and he was a real nice guy, and a good host as well.
So the interior is quite posh, with lighting and classy furniture to make it definitely one of the nicest places in Itaewon. Bliss also has a nice outdoor patio seats, which I imagine will be very nice in spring, summer and fall. For me though, I preferred to sit in a corner where I could overlook at the venue.
The inside is actually quite large, easily able to accommodate around 80 or so people.
Menu cover of Bliss summarizes the venue concept: a modern mix of wood and metal. While the terrace seats are more casual and comfortable, the indoor part of Bliss screams modern/chic/stylish. An interesting thing to note is that Bliss’ yellow lighting dims as the night progresses, transforming the wine & dine-esque place into a trendy lounge-bar-esque hot spot in Itaewon. My overusage of ‘esque’ suffix is also noted.
I took a look at their menu and the food and beverages were reasonable priced, with food costing somewhere between 15,000 to 20,000 for pizza and pasta dishes, and more for meat dishes (30,000+). Bliss also offered an extensive list of cocktail menus, and their prices were reasonable as well. (shots priced at 6,000 with cocktails at standard 9,000 – 11,000).
I took a few snap shots of the bar placed in the center of the venue.
I ordered a gin martini and it was also quite good. Simple and how martini should be. Nothing too fancy, but nothing short of quality.
So my dish arrived. I ordered a four cheese pizza, or pizza quattro formaggi, and it was actually quite good. The pizza was quite delicious, especially with its thick layers of thick semi-liquid cheese that I can never get sick of. I would most certainly come back again for more in future, and would recommend this place to all the readers out there reading this. (The pizza was priced at 15,000) Bliss is a definite must-visit.
The Good:
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to find (near Hamilton Hotel & 1 minute away from Itaewon station – see directions)
- Great food and good selection of cocktails
- Ambiance is great. A must-visit in Itaewon
- Outdoor terrace tables overlooking the street behind Hamilton
The Bad:
- I don’t think valet parking is available. Might have to park in the main Itaewon street if you are driving.
- The place tends to be full, so make a reservation if you want to dine
Contact: 02-798-1125
Hours: 12:00 – 02:00
Directions: Get out at exit #1 at Itaewon station. Walk straight for 30 seconds or less and turn right at KFC. Walk up the hill and Bliss is on your left (after you pass B-One and Naked Bar & Grill).
